Last in a series on the NBA draft on June 26
If they keep the No. 1 pick, the Cavaliers are expected to select Kansas small forward Andrew Wiggins.
There are a number of reasons for that decision.
During Duke forward Jabari Parker’s workout with the Cavs on June 20, he reportedly didn’t want to be there. He denied that he tanked the workout during a media session in New York on June 25.
When asked what was going to happen on draft night, Parker said, “I think I’ll go No. 2 to the Bucks.”
Rumors say his preferred destination is Milwaukee. When was the last time you heard that?
There were also questions about his conditioning.
Teams have learned not to base everything on the individual workouts. Parker was a 19-point scorer for Duke this season and a first-team All-American selection.
So, his poor workout won’t keep the Cavs from drafting him if he remains No. 1 on their board.
The 6-foot-8, 241-pound Parker is NBA-ready. Some pundits predict he will be a 20-point scorer as a rookie. That might be a bit overstated, but he could be a 15-point scorer right away.
“Jabari Parker is the safest pick in the draft,” ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas said.
Many teams think Parker is growing into a power forward. The Cavs already have power forwards Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett on the roster.
Parker is lacking on the defensive end and will likely struggle defending other small forwards. How many players can actually stop other small forwards in the NBA? Very few. Maybe LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
“He’s not nearly as a good an NBA defender as Wiggins,” Bilas said. “Parker is behind defensively. He’s more of a dynamic scorer (than Wiggins). He’s going to demand the ball in a good way.”
Fans will likely grow to love the 6-foot-8, 200-pound Wiggins, perhaps the most athletic player in the 2014 draft.
He’s not a finished product and needs some work on his ballhandling and his outside shooting. In time, however, he could be a perennial All-Star.
He does fill a gaping hole in the Cavs’ starting lineup at small forward. So would Parker.
“He has a second jump that is unequaled in this draft,” Bilas said. “The only problem with Wiggins, is he is the type of guy that is going to have a killer instinct and be a superstar? I don’t see him failing in the league. Is he the leader of your team? Will he be the best player on the floor?”
The Cavs have debated the No. 1 pick internally in the days leading up to the draft. The foot surgery to Kansas center Joel Embiid has clouded their decision. Before the 7-footer went under the knife, it appeared as if they had zeroed in on the Jayhawks’ big man.
That has scared off a number of teams.
As for Parker and Wiggins, it’s not a clear choice between the two.
“It’s in the eye of the beholder,” NBA director of scouting Ryan Blake said. “It’s a tough choice.”
The Cavs have received numerous trade proposals. Here are reportedly some of them:
n The Philadelphia 76ers have offered forward Thaddeus Young and No. 3 overall for the first overall pick. If they include No. 10 in the deal, the Cavs might jump.
-Orlando has offered guard Arron Afflalo and the No. 4 pick for No. 1. If the Magic included No. 12 as well, that might work.
-The Utah Jazz offered forward/center Derrick Favors and the No. 5 pick for 1. There were further talks where the Jazz added No. 23 and guard Alec Burks to the deal for 1 and Cavs guard Jarrett Jack. The deal has stalled.
Other draft rumors involving the Cavaliers:
- If the team drops back in the draft, the Cavs appear to be interested in Australian point guard Dante Exum. There has also been talk that they woud select Embiid later in the draft.
-They had some discussions with Brooklyn on a Jack-for-Marcus Thornton swap.
-The Cavs have tried to pry power forward Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he has been reluctant to agree to sign a contract extension with the Cavs, which might end such talks. The Cavs might give up the first pick, guard Dion Waiters and Thompson to the Timberwolves for Love and guard Kevin Martin.